The Synoptic Gospels
(Written 20-30 years after resurrection & ascension of Jesus)
Mark - Written to Gentiles; emphasizes Jesus’ servant-hood.
Matthew – Written to Jews; emphasizes Jesus’ Kingship.
Luke – A historical account; emphasizes Jesus’ manhood.
Gospel of John - Written to Greek pagans about 70 years after the resurrection & ascension of Jesus; emphasizes Jesus’ Godhood.
JOHN 1
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.
Jesus is GOD
Word = “Logos” = purpose for being.
16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together….19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him.
Colossians 1:16-19
Jesus is LIGHT
In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
John 1:4,5
9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.
John 1:9-13
Jesus became FLESH.
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:14
“Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”
Matthew 1:23
No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.
John 1:18
The Word becomes flesh through US
6 There was a man sent from God whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. 8 He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.
John 1:6-8